8 Things You Need To Know This AM

8 Things You Need To Know This AM — Sep 25 2015

A group of nuns tailgated one of Pope Francis’ masses. Move aside, Taylor Swift: This is the true meaning of #squadgoals.

There were more than just communion wafers on hand when four nuns arrived to see Pope Francis speak at Washington D.C.’s Catholic University of America. The girl gang gathered in the university parking lot to pregame the special mass, kicking back with some chips, sandwiches, and folding chairs like your dad’s hardcore tailgating crew. (Minus the brewskies, of course.) Journalists from outlets like NBC and the Catholic Harold had a field day snapping the sisters as they partied (sensibly) around their minivan. Looks like we have a few new cover shots for the Nuns Having Fun calendar.(Vanity Fair)

Advertisement

Justice Scalia says he “wouldn’t be surprised” if the Supreme Court overturns the death penalty.

While delivering a speech at Memphis’ Rhodes College, where his grandson is a student, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia shared his suspicions that the court may soon do away with the death penalty. Unlike “four of his colleagues,” a number that he provided, Scalia adamantly believes that capital punishment is constitutional. “Do you really want your judges to rewrite the Constitution?” the justice asked. Scalia’s comments proved to be eerily prescient as Pope Francis later urged the U.S. to abolish the death penalty during his historic speech before Congress. (Buzzfeed News)

The real Vladimir Putin actually called Elton John; probably wanted to find out what the hell “Bennie and the Jets” is about, just like the rest of us.

Earlier this month, Sir Elton John was the victim of some well-known Russian pranksters who purported to be Vladimir Putin and his press secretary calling to discuss Russia’s anti-gay laws. The joke may now be on the impersonators, since Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin recently called the singer to apologize for the deception. Peskov further revealed that the Russian president expressed interest in meeting with John in order to discuss “any issues of interest.” (BBC News)

Donald Trump, the man who has insulted more people than all the world’s high school bullies combined, wants the FCC to fine a Fox News host for hurting his feelings.

Donald Trump, who not too long ago suggested that Fox News host Megyn Kelly had “blood coming out of her wherever,” is coming after political pundit Rich Lowry for the latter’s use of an admittedly juvenile idiom that suggested Trump lost the last GOP debate to Carly Fiorina. During a segment on Fox News’ The Kelly File, Lowry joked that “Carly cut [Trump’s] balls off with the precision of a surgeon.” Trump quickly tweeted that the network should apologize, and that Lowry “should not be allowed on TV and the FCC should fine him!” Lowry responded with a tweet of his own: “I love how Mr. Anti-PC now wants the FCC to fine me. #pathetic” (Huffington Post)

Advertisement

Shondaland is developing another medical drama for ABC. Start stocking up on tissues, wine, and snacks now.

Shonda Rhimes isn’t slowing down any time soon: despite having three different TV dramas currently on air, the showrunner just sold another project to ABC, this one focusing on a military medical team stationed in Baghdad right at the peak of the Iraq War. The untitled drama will be written by Grey’s Anatomy co-executive producer Zoanne Clack, who actually has real world experience in emergency medicine. (Deadline)

Australia may deny Chris Brown an entry visa due to his 2009 domestic violence conviction.

While American millennials seem to have forgotten Chris Brown’s monstrous attack on then-girlfriend Rihanna (sure, “Loyal” is a catchy song, but HE’S SCUM), Australia remembers — and could bar the singer from entering the country to complete his “One Hell Of A Nite” tour. Australian activists, including the Minister for Women, are pressuring the government to deny Brown’s visa due to his history of domestic violence. An online petition to stop the star’s Australian tour currently has more than 10,000 signatures. (CNN)

A new study shows that women are more likely to answer a dating app message if it contains a reference to food. A different, but related, study has found that most women are bears.

After performing a monthlong study of its users, the dating app Hinge has found that men and women differ when it comes to preferred opening messages. Seeking to woo a cute guy? You better not pussyfoot around — according to Hinge, men are 98% more likely to answer an “assertive, invitational” message. When it comes to ladies, messages that mention food have a 40% higher reply rate. Hinge also reports that speed is key when romancing a male user: If you wait over six hours after your match, he’s 25% less likely to reply. (Business Insider)

The San Antonio assistant coach who allegedly ordered two of his high school football players to tackle the referee has resigned.

Two John Jay High School football players suspended from their team were merely following the orders of their assistant coach, Mack Breed. The pair was suspended for deliberately tackling and diving on a referee during a play. Breed, who allegedly wanted to “make the referee pay for his racial comments and calls,” has stepped down from his position and must meet with the University Interscholastic League to assist in the executive committee’s ongoing investigation into the incident. (Los Angeles Times)